Assessment of Implanon insertion and removal.
OBJECTIVE
This report describes the proper technique and the time required for insertion and removal of Implanon.


METHODS
Implanon was inserted into 330 female volunteers for an assessment of efficacy, safety and tolerability over a 2-year period. Implanon was inserted subdermally using a unique, specially designed, preloaded, disposable applicator, and removal was accomplished either by the "pop-out" method or by grasping the implant with a small hemostat and removing it through a small incision.


RESULTS
The average length of time required for insertion was 0.5 min. The average length of time required for removal was 3.6 min. There were no reported pregnancies when Implanon was in situ.


CONCLUSIONS
Implanon is a single-rod subdermal contraceptive that is usually easily inserted and removed. Insertion and removal represent brief office procedures associated with a low rate of complications. Following proper insertion and removal procedures will minimize the possibility of complications.
Levine
Jeffrey P
JP
Department of Family Medicine, Women's Health Programs, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903-0019, USA. levinejp@umdnj.edu
Sinofsky
Francine E
FE
Christ
Mercedes F
MF
D000328:Adult; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017135:Desogestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D020878:Device Removal / Q000379:methods*; D004209:Disposable Equipment; D004343:Drug Implants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D045167:Progesterone Congeners / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration; D014753:Vinyl Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D004343:Drug Implants; D045167:Progesterone Congeners; D014753:Vinyl Compounds; C044815:etonogestrel; D017135:Desogestrel